Letterof the Day | Ethical journalism, put children first

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The public discourse has been dominated by calls to name a former Member of parliament charged in connection with allegations of incest involving his minor daughter. While the demand for accountability is both understandable and necessary in a democratic society, it must never override a more fundamental obligation: the protection of the child.

Ethical journalism requires consistency, restraint, and an unwavering commitment to the best interests of the child. In cases of incest or intra-family abuse, naming the accused however justified it may seem can directly or indirectly expose the identity of the child. This is not a theoretical risk. In close-knit communities, even limited details such as family relationships, location, or occupation can lead to what is known as “jigsaw identification,” where seemingly harmless fragments of information are pieced together to reveal a victim’s identity.

The consequences of such exposure are severe and long-lasting. Children may face stigma, harassment, and victim-blaming, while also enduring retraumatization and psychological harm. These are not collateral concerns; they are central to why legal safeguards exist. Jamaica’s Child Care and Protection Act and the Sexual Offences Act both establish clear obligations to preserve the anonymity of child victims and prohibit the disclosure of identifying details. These protections extend beyond media houses to individuals, including those who share or comment on such matters via social media.

It is also important to address the growing frustration with perceived inconsistencies in media reporting. When some cases are handled with strict anonymity while others are sensationalized, it creates a dangerous perception that child protection is optional or influenced by status. The law, however, does not change based on who the accused is. Every child deserves equal protection, every time.

There is, of course, a narrow exception in the case of a Sexual Offenders Registry, where individuals are named only after conviction, and without compromising the identity of the child. This demonstrates that accountability and child protection are not mutually exclusive they can and must coexist. Ultimately, ethical journalism is not about shielding perpetrators; it is about safeguarding victims. Before publishing, posting, or sharing, we must ask a simple but critical question: does this protect the child?

Children must come first.

KAYLA WRIGHT

AFRICKA STEPHENS

info@fiwechildren.org